Chinese Egg Cake
Embark on a delightful journey with this Chinese Egg Cake recipe, a perfect treat for any occasion. These cakes are not only visually appealing but also offer a unique combination of fluffy texture and subtle sweetness. Their versatility makes them suitable for tea time, family gatherings, or as an everyday snack. With each bite, you experience the warmth of homemade baking, making these Chinese Egg Cakes an irresistible indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Deliciously Light: The airy texture of the cakes is achieved without complicated techniques, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm or at room temperature; they pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project for children; they will love helping mix and watch the cakes rise!
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, these cakes are easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will make the preparation effortless and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Muffin tin
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A wide bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients and ensures even blending.
- Muffin tin: Perfectly shapes the cakes while providing individual servings; essential for even baking.
- Spatula: Helps gently fold in ingredients without losing airiness, crucial for that fluffy texture.
- Whisk: Ensures thorough mixing and aeration of eggs and sugar, vital for achieving the right consistency.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 middle-size eggs (room temperature)
- 60 grams cake flour (about ½ c)
- 40 grams castor sugar (approximately 3 tbsp + 1 tsp)
- 5 grams oil (olive oil or other vegetable oil, roughly ¾ tsp)
- Warm water as needed (optional)
How to Make Chinese Egg Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your cakes start baking immediately once they are in.
Step 2: Prepare Your Mixing Setup
Take a container and fill it halfway with water. Place your mixing bowl on top of the container. This creates a gentle heat that helps whip the eggs.
Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar
In the mixing bowl, combine eggs and castor sugar. Beat them together at high speed until light and fluffy. This should take around 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture has reached the ribbon stage—a flowing consistency.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the cake flour. Gently fold it into the egg mixture using a spatula to retain airiness.
Step 5: Add Oil
Pour in the oil and stir until well blended with the batter. This helps maintain moisture in your cakes.
Step 6: Prepare Muffin Tin
Line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking. Ensure all 12 cups are covered properly.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Pour in the batter carefully, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Step 8: Bake
Position the muffin tin on the oven rack. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until their tops turn a lovely golden color.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before savoring your delicious Chinese Egg Cakes!
How to Serve Chinese Egg Cake
Chinese Egg Cakes are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them as a light snack or a delightful dessert, these cakes are sure to please. Here are some serving suggestions that enhance their flavor and presentation.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve warm or chilled with a side of fresh fruits like berries or mango slices for a refreshing contrast.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey adds extra sweetness and complements the cake’s airy texture.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Top the cakes with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy touch that balances the egg cake’s fluffiness.
Paired with Tea
- Enjoy your Chinese Egg Cakes with a cup of green tea or jasmine tea for a traditional experience during tea time.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include the cakes on a dessert platter alongside other treats, such as cookies and pastries, for an enticing display.
Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar
- A dusting of powdered sugar gives a beautiful finish and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
How to Perfect Chinese Egg Cake
To achieve the perfect Chinese Egg Cake, attention to detail is essential. Follow these tips to ensure your cakes turn out light and fluffy every time.
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Room temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps achieve better volume when whipping.
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Careful folding: Gently fold in the flour to avoid deflating the batter; this maintains its airy texture.
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Correct oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to ensure even baking and prevent drying out.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cake flour and castor sugar yield the best results in texture and flavor.
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Test for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when the cakes are ready.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Egg Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Egg Cakes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Green Tea Ice Cream: This creamy treat complements the cake’s texture while providing a unique flavor contrast.
- Steamed Buns: Lightly sweet steamed buns offer an interesting textural contrast and can be filled with red bean paste.
- Sesame Balls: These crispy treats filled with sweet mung bean paste add crunch and sweetness to your meal.
- Jelly Cups: Flavored jelly cups offer a refreshing, cool contrast that’s fun to eat alongside the egg cakes.
- Savory Dumplings: Lightly seasoned dumplings provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the egg cakes, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Matcha Latte: The earthy tones of matcha create an excellent pairing, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Coconut Milk Pudding: This creamy dessert provides a rich yet light complement to your egg cake experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chinese Egg Cakes can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the room temperature eggs: Using cold eggs can impact the fluffiness of the cake. Allow them to come to room temperature before mixing.
- Not beating the eggs long enough: Failing to whip the egg and sugar mixture properly will result in a denser cake. Aim for at least 12-15 minutes until you reach the ribbon stage.
- Overmixing the batter: Once you add flour, overmixing can deflate the air bubbles you’ve created. Gently fold in the flour with a spatula instead.
- Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An inaccurate oven can lead to undercooked or burnt cakes. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s set correctly at 350°F (180°C).
- Using the wrong type of sugar: Regular granulated sugar won’t dissolve as easily as castor sugar, affecting texture. Always use castor sugar for this recipe.
- Rushing the cooling process: Cutting into your cakes too soon can result in collapsing. Allow them to cool properly before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chinese Egg Cakes in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chinese Egg Cake
- Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
Reheating Chinese Egg Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm the cakes for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chinese Egg Cake?
Chinese Egg Cake is a light and fluffy dessert that features eggs as its primary ingredient. It has a delightful texture and subtle sweetness.
How do I ensure my Chinese Egg Cake is fluffy?
To achieve that fluffy texture, beat your egg and sugar mixture until it reaches a ribbon stage, ensuring plenty of air is incorporated.
Can I customize my Chinese Egg Cake?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla or almond extract, or even incorporate fruit zest for an exciting twist on this classic recipe.
Is there a gluten-free option for Chinese Egg Cake?
Yes, you can substitute cake flour with gluten-free flour blends suitable for baking while maintaining similar measurements.
How should I serve Chinese Egg Cakes?
These cakes are perfect with tea or coffee but can also be enjoyed as a light snack anytime during the day!
Final Thoughts
Chinese Egg Cakes offer an incredible blend of flavors and textures that are both comforting and satisfying. Their lightness makes them versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s tea time or dessert after dinner. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or toppings to create your own unique variation!
Chinese Egg Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the light and fluffy delight of Chinese Egg Cake, a charming dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make treat boasts a delicate sweetness and airy texture that melts in your mouth, making it ideal for tea time or as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
- 2 room temperature eggs
- 60 grams cake flour (about ½ cup)
- 40 grams castor sugar (approximately 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon)
- 5 grams oil (about ¾ teaspoon)
- Warm water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Set up a mixing bowl over a container of warm water.
- In the bowl, beat together the eggs and castor sugar until light and fluffy (12-15 minutes).
- Sift in the cake flour and gently fold into the mixture.
- Add the oil and stir until well combined.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
